Lemon Sevai (with Zoodles) – Lemon Peanut Zucchini Noodles
I am really excited about this version of Lemon Sevai, as it is made with spiralized zucchini noodles instead traditional rice noodles. I tried this on a whim, and the results were amazing. Light, lively and brimming with flavor this offers a perfect side dish, wholesome meal and anything in between. The flavors in the recipe are vibrant and complement the crunchy peanuts. Always happy and excited with a new experiment works out. I had last worked with spiralizing vegetables a while ago. Looks like I need to get back into action.
A thing or two about using zoodles
Essentially zoodles are made of zucchini that is run through a spiralizer. This devise pushes zucchini the zucchini in a spiralized manner, allow the zucchini to resemble noodles. Being low in carbs makes this a great choice for low carb diets. The zucchini is also neutral tasting and absorbs the flavors of the dish it is being added to. This makes it a hit for a bright and spicy dish like Sevai. The thing to watch out for is to avoid the zucchini getting overcooked and mushy. Here is a spiralized salad I had made a while back.
So, when substituting it for noodles. Or even using it as just a vegetable, one does not want soggy, wet vegetables on their hands. So, the zoodles should cook for about 3 minutes to get done. In short, it is not a good idea to use them for a recipe that needs a long cooking time. It works well for this Lemon Sevai, as this is a quick stir fry.
The Story of Lemon Sevai
2023, is still young, and has started with its share of challenges. There are no good challenges, however replacing a car these days is very difficult. Inventory is low, and the supply of things is nowhere near normal. It is probably better than last year where people were reporting six month waiting times. But, I guess worrying about things that are beyond my control is not useful. So when needing some calm a bright and sunny dish like this is a great idea.
What Is Lemon Sevai?
This is a Stir Fry usually with vermicelli from South India. It is similar to the lemon rice recipe here. Light zucchini absorbs the bright flavors of the dish and offers a beautiful contrast to the crunchy peanuts. It would not be out of place to pair this with a chutney.
Lemon Sevai (make with Zucchini Noodles) is a vibrant and wholesome take on the original.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shelled and unsalted peanuts
- 1 tablespoon oil (such as grapeseed oil)
- 1 teaspoon of black mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon asafetida
- 10 curry leaves
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust this to taste)
- 2 cups (about 3 medium sized zucchinis) spiralized
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice (from about 1 medium sized lemon seeded)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Instructions
- In a pan, dry toast the peanuts stirring occasionally, until the peanuts turn fragrant and darken to a pale to darker toffee color.
- In a skillet, heat the tablespoon of oil until the skillet shimmers, add in the mustard seeds and cumin seeds and allow the seeds to crackle. Add in the minced ginger and the asafetida and the curry leaves.
- Add in the onion and allow the onion to soften, this will take about 3 minutes.
- Add in the turmeric and the red pepper flakes.
- Quickly add in the spiralized zucchini allowing the spices to coat the zucchini. Cook for about 3 minutes. Mix in the toasted peanuts
- Stir in the lemon juice and the salt and mix well.
- Sprinkle with the chopped cilantro and serve.